Fabric sensing device

ABSTRACT

A touch-sensitive textile device that is configured to detect the occurrence of a touch, the location of a touch, and/or the force of a touch on the touch-sensitive textile device. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductive threads oriented along a first direction, and a second set of conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and oriented along a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a touch or near touch based on a variation in an electrical measurement using the first or second set of conductive threads.

This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.16/926,569, filed Jul. 10, 2020, which is a continuation of patentapplication Ser. No. 16/417,414, filed May 20, 2019, which is acontinuation of patent application Ser. No. 15/514,452, filed Mar. 24,2017, which is a national stage application, filed under 35 U.S.C. §371, of international patent application No. PCT/US2015/050420, filedSep. 16, 2015, which claims the benefit of provisional patentapplication No. 62/058,027, filed Sep. 30, 2014, all of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure generally relates to touch-sensitive devicesand, more specifically, a textile-based touch-sensitive device.

BACKGROUND

Traditional electronic devices may include a variety of input devices,including buttons, keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, and the like. Sometraditional electronic devices may include a touch panel or touch screenthat is configured to receive a touch input from a user. However, manytraditional input devices and touch sensors are formed using rigidmaterials and/or a rigid substrate sheet and, therefore, may be limitedto certain form factors. Therefore, it may be advantageous that inputdevices be formed from flexible materials that may be more easilyadapted for use in a variety of applications.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textiledevice that is configured to detect changes in capacitive coupling withan object touching the textile. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitivetextile device includes a first set of conductive threads oriented alonga first direction, and a second set of conductive threads interwovenwith the first set of conductive threads and oriented along a seconddirection. The device may also include a sensing circuit that isoperatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads.The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to thefirst and second set of conductive threads to produce a charge on eachof the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuitmay also be configured to detect a variation in charge or on any one ofthe first and second set of conductive threads. In some embodiments, thesensing circuit is configured to detect a variation in the capacitivecoupling due to an object touching or nearly touching thetouch-sensitive textile device. The sensing circuit may be configured todetect a touch or near touch on the first or second set of conductivethreads based on the variation in charge. The sensing circuit may alsobe configured to determine a location of the touch based on thevariation in charge.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a woventextile component comprising: the first and second set of conductivethreads, and a set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the firstand second set of conductive threads. In some embodiments, a groupnonconductive threads are oriented along the first direction forming anonconductive strip region. The first set of conductive threads mayinclude a group conductive threads forming a conductive strip regionthat is adjacent to the nonconductive strip region. In some embodiments,nonconductive strip regions and conductive strip regions are arranged inan alternating pattern in both the first and second directions.

Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textiledevice that is configured to detect changes in resistance or impedancedue to an object touching the textile. In some embodiments, thetouch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductivethreads oriented along a first direction, and a second set of conductivethreads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and orientedalong a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuitthat is operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductivethreads. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signalto the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuitmay also be configured to detect a variation in resistance between anyone of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the second setof conductive threads. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may beconfigured to sense a touch on the first or second set of conductivethreads based on the variation in resistance. In some embodiments, thesensing circuit may be further configured to determine a location of thetouch based on the variation in resistance.

Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textiledevice that is configured to detect changes in resistance or impedancebetween two textile layers due to an object touching the textile In someembodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set ofconductive threads disposed in a first textile layer, and a second setof conductive threads disposed in a second textile layer. Thetouch-sensitive textile may also include a spacer structure separatingthe first and second textile layers. The spacer structure may beconfigured to deflect in response to a touch on the first or secondtextile layer. In some embodiments, the spacer structure is amonofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textilelayers.

The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operativelycoupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensingcircuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first andsecond set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also beconfigured to detect a variation in resistance between any one of thefirst set of conductive threads and any one of the second set ofconductive threads. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may beconfigured to sense a touch on the first or second textile layers basedon the variation in resistance. In some embodiments, the sensing circuitmay be further configured to determine a location of the touch based onthe variation in resistance.

Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textiledevice that is configured to detect the force of a touch based onchanges in capacitance between two textile layers. In some embodiments,the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductivethreads disposed in a first textile layer, and a second set ofconductive threads disposed in a second textile layer. Thetouch-sensitive textile may also include a spacer structure separatingthe first and second textile layers. The spacer structure may beconfigured to deflect in response to a touch on the first or secondtextile layer. In some embodiments, the spacer structure is amonofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textilelayers.

The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operativelycoupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensingcircuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first andsecond set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also beconfigured to detect a variation in capacitance between any one of thefirst set of conductive threads and any one of the second set ofconductive threads. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may beconfigured to detect the fore of touch on the first or second textilelayers based on the variation in capacitance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example system of devices including a touch-sensitivetextile device.

FIGS. 2A-B depict an example self-capacitive touch-sensitive textiledevice in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-B depict an example resistive touch-sensitive textile device inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-B depict an example two-layer resistive touch-sensitive textiledevice in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-B depict an example two-layer capacitive touch-sensitivetextile device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-B depict an example conductive thread configuration for atouch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts an example process for operating a touch-sensitivetextile device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts an example schematic diagram of a touch-sensitive textilesystem in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to touch-sensitivetextiles that may be used to receive touch input on a variety ofconsumer products. In particular, the devices and techniques describedherein may be applied to a variety of textile materials that may beincorporated into consumer electronic products, articles of clothing,clothing accessories, handbags, upholstered items, household textiles,and other items that may include a textile component or element. Thefollowing disclosure is directed to techniques for creatingtouch-sensitive textiles for receiving a variety of user touch input.

In general, it may be advantageous to implement touch-sensitivefunctionality using a broad range of materials that can be integratedinto a number of flexible and versatile form factors. In someimplementations, a touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated into aconsumer electronic product, including for example, a wearableelectronic device. For example, the touch-sensitive textile may beincorporated into a portion of the band or lanyard that is used tosecure the device to the body of a user. A touch-sensitive textile mayalso be incorporated into an article of clothing such as a shirt,jacket, glove, or other textile-based garment. For example, atouch-sensitive textile may be incorporated into a sleeve, pocket, orother portion of a garment that is readily accessible to the use. Insome embodiments, a touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated into anaccessory, including, for example, a purse, wallet, handbag, backpack,and or other accessory having including textile element. Atouch-sensitive textile may also be incorporated into an item that isnot worn, including, for example, a cloth, rug, tapestry, upholstery, orother fabric-based article or component.

The touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated or integrated with otherelectronic components or electronic circuitry to form a touch-sensitivetextile device. In some implementations, a touch-sensitive textiledevice may be configured to recognize a touch gesture or gestures on asurface of the textile. The touch gesture(s) may include a sweep ormovement of the user's finger across the surface of the textile that maybe interpreted as a command or other user input. In someimplementations, the touch-sensitive textile device may be configured todetect and measure the force of a touch on the textile, which may beused to interpret additional user inputs and/or commands. Thetouch-sensitive textile device may also be incorporated into orconfigured to interface with an electronic device to provide user inputto programs or instructions being executed on the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include acapacitive touch sensor that is configured to detect and estimate alocation of a touch or near touch on the surface of the textile. In someimplementations, the touch-sensitive textile include two sets ofconductive threads that are oriented transverse to each other within atextile material. The conductive threads may be operatively coupled to asensing circuit that is configured to produce and monitor an electricalcharge on each of the conductive threads in the touch-sensitive textile.When an object, such as the user's finger, comes close to the conductivethreads, the electrical charge may be dissipated or discharged, whichmay be detected by the sensing circuit. By determining which conductivethreads have been discharged, the sensing circuit (or other processingunit) may be used to estimate the location of the touch on the textilematerial.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a resistivetouch sensor that is configured to text and estimate the location of atouch on the surface of the textile. In some implementations thetouch-sensitive textile includes two sets of conductive threads that areinterwoven within the textile, each set generally oriented transverse tothe other. A touch, such as a finger, may contact the surface a threadfrom each set of conductive threads, which may reduce or change theresistance or impedance between the two threads. The reduced resistanceor impedance caused by the touch may be detected by a sensing circuitthat is configured to monitor and detect resistance and/or impedancebetween pairs of conductive threads. Additionally, by determining whichthreads are associated with the change in resistance or impedance, thesensing circuit (or other processing unit) may be used to estimate thelocation of the touch on the surface of the textile material.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a two-layertouch sensor separated by a spacer, such as a monofilament yarn. Eachlayer of the textile may include a set of conductive threads. The spacerlayer may compress or deform in response to a touch on the textile,which, in some cases, causes conductive threads from each of the layersto come into contact with each other. The contact between the conductivethreads may cause a change in the electrical resistance or impedancebetween the layers, which may be detected by a sensing circuit. As inthe previous examples, by determining which threads are associated withthe change in resistance or impedance, a sensing circuit (or otherprocessing unit) may be used to estimate the location of the touch onthe textile material.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a two-layercapacitive force sensor with each layer including a set of conductivethreads, the two layers separated by a compressible spacer, such as amonofilament yarn. When a force is applied to the surface of thetextile, the two layers may be forced closer together resulting in achange in capacitance between pair of conductive threads in the twolayers. In some implementations, the capacitance between pairs ofconductive threads in the two layers may be monitored by a sensingcircuit, which may be adapted to estimate a force on the textile basedon the change in capacitance.

One or more of the sensing configurations described above may beintegrated with a touch-sensitive textile device or component that isconfigured to produce a touch output that can be interpreted as acommand or other user input to an electronic device or system. In someimplementations, the touch-sensitive textile device or component is usedto receive user input for one or more of a variety of differentelectronic devices. By way of example and not limitation, atouch-sensitive textile device or component can be used to provide userinput to a mobile telephone, a portable media player, a wearableelectronic device, a tablet computing device, a notebook computingdevice, a desktop computing device, a television, an electronicappliance, or other electronic device or system.

FIG. 1 depicts an example system of devices including a touch-sensitivetextile device 100. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a touch-sensitivetextile device that is incorporated into an article of clothing that canbe worn by a user. In the example depicted in FIG. 1, thetouch-sensitive textile device is incorporated into the sleeve of agarment. However, as described previously, in other examples, thetouch-sensitive textile device may be incorporated into a bracelet, awrist band, arm band, scarf, or other wearable item. In addition, thetouch-sensitive textile device may be incorporated into a variety ofother articles that are not worn by the user including, for example, acloth, rug, tapestry, upholstery, purse, backpack, lanyard, or otherfabric-based article or component.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 may beconfigured to work with a variety of electronic devices. In the exampledepicted in FIG. 1 a touch-sensitive textile device 100 may beconfigured to provide user input to a mobile electronic device 110and/or a computing device 120. In the present example, the mobileelectronic device 110 is a mobile telephone. In some embodiments, themobile electronic device 110 may include a portable media player,wearable electronic device, or other mobile device. As shown in FIG. 1,the computing device 120 a notebook computer system. In someembodiments, the computing device 120 may include a desktop computersystem, a server computing system, remote computer system connected by acommunications network, or other computing device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 may beconfigured to relay a user's touch on the touch-sensitive textile device100 to the mobile electronic device 110 and/or the computing device 120where it may be interpreted as a command or user input. For example, atouch gesture or other type of touch command may be performed bytouching the surface of the touch-sensitive textile device 100, as shownin FIG. 1. In this example, the user performs the touch input bycontacting the portion of the sleeve that is touch sensitive using afinger or other detectable object. The gesture or touch commandperformed on the touch-sensitive textile device 100 may be translatedinto a command or acknowledgement that is communicated to the mobileelectronic device 110 and/or the computing device 120.

In one example, the mobile electronic device 110 may produce an alertoutput that includes an audio, haptic, and/or visual output. Because themobile electronic device 110 is located in the user's pants pocket, themobile electronic device 110 may not be immediately accessible to theuser. To acknowledge the receipt of the alert output, the user mayperform a touch-based gesture or other touch input on the surface of thetouch-sensitive textile device 100. The touch-sensitive textile device100 may then produce an output that is communicated to the mobileelectronic device 110 indicating that the user has received andacknowledged the alert. In response to the acknowledgement, the mobileelectronic device 110 may perform additional actions and/or conclude orsilence the alert output.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 may be usedto provide a command to the mobile device 110 and/or the computingdevice 120. For example, the user may perform a gesture that correspondsto a command to initiate a communication using the mobile device 110and/or the computing device 120. In some cases, the user command mayinclude instructions to initiate an e-mail, SMS, or other communicationusing a predetermined message that corresponds to the gesture entered onthe surface of the touch-sensitive textile device 100. When the userenters the touch gesture on the touch-sensitive textile device 100, acommunication may be sent to the mobile device 110 and/or the computingdevice 120 initiating the communication.

In some embodiments, the user command may include instructions to entera do-not-disturb mode, which silences alerts from either the mobiledevice 110 or the computing device 120. The user command may alsoinclude instructions to enter or invoke a secure mode that requires apass code or other authentication to perform certain functionality oneither the mobile device 110 or the computing device 120. Moregenerally, a touch on the touch-sensitive textile device 100 may be usedto invoke a variety of user commands that may be performed and/orinterpreted by the mobile device 110, the computing device 120, or anyother electronic device in communication with the touch-sensitivetextile device 100.

In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 may be usedto control a program or operation being performed on the mobileelectronic device 100 or the computing device 120. For example, thetouch-sensitive textile device 100 may be used to control the volume ofan audio output for either the mobile electronic device 100 or thecomputing device 120. The touch-sensitive textile device 100 may also beused to select the next track or index a media item to a next itemduring a media playback. In the present example the mobile electronicdevice 100 is placed in the pants pocket of the user and may not beimmediately accessible to the user. However, because the touch-sensitivetextile device 100 is incorporated into the sleeve of the user'sgarment, touch-based user control may always be within immediate reachof the user.

As discussed briefly above, the touch-sensitive textile device mayinclude a variety of sensing techniques for detecting a touch and/or theforce of a touch on the surface of the textile. FIGS. 2A-B through 5A-Bdepict example sensing techniques that can be used to detect andinterpret a touch input on the surface of a textile. While the followingexamples are provided with respect to a woven-type of cloth textile,similar principles may be applied to textiles having a differentcomposition, including, for example, knit textiles, lace textiles, meshtextiles, and so on.

FIGS. 2A-B depict an example self-capacitive touch-sensitive textile inaccordance with some embodiments. FIG. 2A depicts a top view of atextile 200 and FIG. 2B depicts an example cross-sectional view takenacross section 2B-2B. A simplified detail view of the conductive textile200 is depicted in FIGS. 2A-B for clarity. In some embodiments, thetextile 200 may include other elements or components (e.g., stitching,fasteners, embroidery) that is not expressly depicted in the figures.The textile 200 may also be operatively connected to one or more sensingcircuits, as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the textile 200 include a first set of conductivethreads 202 that are generally oriented along a first (horizontal)direction. The textile 200 also includes a second set of conductivethreads 204 that are generally oriented along a second (vertical)direction that is transverse to the first direction. In the presentembodiment, the first set of conductive threads 202 and the second setof conductive threads 204 are substantially perpendicular or orthogonalto each other. However, in other embodiments, the two sets of conductivethreads may be oriented at another non-orthogonal angle with respect toeach other. The textile 200 also includes a set of nonconductive threads206 that is also generally oriented along the first (horizontal)direction and another set of nonconductive threads 208 that is generallyoriented along a second (vertical) direction.

In the examples depicted in FIGS. 2A-B, the first set of conductivethreads 202 may be interwoven with the second set of conductive threads204 to form a woven structure. FIGS. 2A-B depict a simple wovenstructure with the first set of conductive threads 202 forming the warp(or weft) threads and the second set of conductive threads 204 formingthe weft (or warp) threads of the woven structure. The wovenconfiguration depicted in FIGS. 2A-B is an illustrative example andother woven patterns may be used.

The conductive threads (202, 204) may be formed using a variety ofelectrically conductive materials. In some embodiments, the conductivethreads are formed form an electrically conductive metallic material,including, for example, a stainless steel yarn, an iron fiber yarn,copper yarn, silver yarn, and the like. In some embodiments, theconductive threads are formed from a nonconductive material that iscoated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductivethreads may be formed from a natural or synthetic fiber that is coatedwith a metallic conductive material, including, for example, a silvermaterial, nickel material, gold material, and the like. Thenonconductive portion or core of the conductive thread may includesynthetic materials, including a nylon material, an aramid fiber, anacrylic fiber, a polyester fiber, and so on. Natural materials include,for example, cotton, wool, flax, silk, and so on. In the presentexample, the conductive threads 202, 204 may include an electricallyinsulating coating or, alternatively may include an electricallyconductive material along at least a portion of the exterior surface ofthe thread.

In some embodiments, the conductive threads 202, 204 are operativelyconnected to circuitry that is configured to drive the conductivethreads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical propertiesof the conductive threads to determine the occurrence and/or location ofa touch on the surface of the textile 200. An example sensing circuit isdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 8. In someembodiments, a drive signal is applied to both the first set ofconductive threads 202 and the second set of conductive threads 204. Insome implementations, the drive signal produces an electrical charge onboth the first and second set of conductive threads 202, 204. The drivesignal may include, an electrical pulse, series of electrical pulses,and/or an alternating current that is delivered to the conductivethreads 202, 204.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a touch may be detected by the sensing circuit whenthe charge is dissipated or discharged by the presence of an object(e.g., the user's finger) touching or nearly touching the surface of thetextile 200. In some embodiments, the object, for instance, the user'sfinger, is electrically conductive and connected to a ground oreffective current sink. The presence of the object may capacitivelycouple to one or more conductive threads that are located proximate tothe touch (or near touch) of the object resulting in a net change in thecharge that is held on the respective threads. The change in charge maybe detected by the sensing circuit and used to identify the occurrenceof a touch. In some cases, the capacitive coupling between theconductive threads and the object may be referred to as aself-capacitive sensing configuration.

In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined bymonitoring the capacitive coupling between the object (e.g., the user'sfinger) and the conductive threads of the textile. For example, thesensing circuit may be configured to selectively measure or sense theelectrical properties of each conductive thread of the first set ofconductive threads 202. The thread or threads that are determined to becapacitively coupled to an object touching (or nearly touching) thetextile 200 may be used to determine a first coordinate of the locationof the touch. In the example depicted in FIG. 2A, the first set ofconductive threads 202 may be used to determine a vertical ory-coordinate of the location of the touch. Similarly, by measuring orsensing the electrical properties of each conductive thread of thesecond set of conductive threads 204, a second coordinate may bedetermined. In this example, the second set of conductive threads 204may be used to determine a horizontal or x-coordinate of the location ofthe touch on the textile 200.

Each of the conductive threads may be selectively measured or sensedusing a time-multiplexing scheme where each of the threads are sensed atdifferent times. Other multiplexing schemes, including, for example,wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can alsobe used. A modulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also beused to distinguish between the measurement of the different conductivethreads. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may havea dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detectchanges in one or more electrical properties of the thread.

In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example objecttouching or nearly touching the surface of the textile 200. In otherembodiments, another object, such as a stylus, probe, wand, or the likemay be used to capacitively couple with the conductive threads of thetextile 200. Additionally, the textile 200 may be configured to detectthe occurrence of multiple touches and/or multiple types of objects onthe surface of the textile 200.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the first and second sets of conductive threads202, 204 are arranged into groups of adjacent threads to form multipleconductive strip regions in the textile 200. Similarly, groups ofadjacent nonconductive threads form nonconductive strip regions in thetextile 200. In the present example, the conductive strip regions andnonconductive strip regions are adjacent to each other and are arrangedin an alternating pattern. That is, groups of conductive threads of thefirst set of conductive threads 202 form conductive strip regions thatare oriented along the first (horizontal) direction in an alternatingfashion with groups of nonconductive threads 206 forming nonconductivestrips oriented along the same direction and alternating with theconductive strips. Similarly, the second set of conductive threads 204are arranged in to groups to form conductive strip regions that areoriented along the second (vertical) direction in an alternating fashionwith groups of nonconductive threads 208 forming nonconductive stripsoriented along the same direction and alternating with the conductivestrips.

In some embodiments, the adjacent conductive threads that are arrangedin a group are treated as a single conductor for purposes of detectionthe occurrence and location of a touch on the textile 400. For example,in some implementations, the collective charge is monitored on a groupof conductive threads to detect capacitive coupling with an objecttouching or nearly touching a respective region of the textile 400. Bycombining the effect on multiple threads arranged in a group, the signalto noise ratio of the sensor may be improved. As a tradeoff, thelocation sensing resolution of the textile 200 may be reduced. However,depending on the thread density of the textile 200, the reduction inresolution may not be noticeable for most practical sensing operations.

FIGS. 3A-B depict an example resistive touch-sensitive textile inaccordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3A depicts a top view of atextile 300 and FIG. 2B depicts an example cross-sectional view takenacross section 3B-3B. A simplified detail view of the conductive textile300 is depicted in FIGS. 3A-B for clarity. As described with respect tothe previous example, the textile 300 may include other elements orcomponents (e.g., stitching, fasteners, embroidery) that is notexpressly depicted in the figures. The textile 300 may also beoperatively connected to one or more sensing circuits, as described inmore detail below with respect to FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the textile 300 include a first set of conductivethreads 302 that are generally oriented along a first (horizontal)direction. The textile 300 also includes a second set of conductivethreads 304 that are generally oriented along a second (vertical)direction that is transverse to the first direction. In the presentembodiment, the first set of conductive threads 302 and the second setof conductive threads 304 are substantially perpendicular or orthogonalto each other. However, in other embodiments, the two sets of conductivethreads may be oriented at another non-orthogonal angle with respect toeach other. The textile 300 also includes a set of nonconductive threadsthat is also generally oriented along the first (horizontal) directionand another set of nonconductive threads 308 that is generally orientedalong a second (vertical) direction.

In the examples depicted in FIGS. 3A-B, the first set of conductivethreads 302 may be interwoven with the second set of conductive threads304 to form a woven structure. FIGS. 3A-B depict a simple wovenstructure with the first set of conductive threads 302 forming the warp(or weft) threads and the second set of conductive threads 304 formingthe weft (or warp) threads of the woven structure. In the presentembodiment, the conductive threads 302, 304 are woven over multiplethreads to produce a course or elongated stitch. The elongated stich mayexpose a longer continuous section of a conductive thread 302, 304 thatmay be contacted by an object, such as a finger. This may improve orenhance the sensing capabilities of the textile 300, as discussed inmore detail below. The woven configuration depicted in FIGS. 3A-B is anillustrative example and other woven patterns may be used.

The conductive threads (302, 304) may be formed using a variety ofelectrically conductive materials. As explained above with respect toFIGS. 2A-B, the conductive threads may be formed from an electricallyconductive material or from a natural or synthetic non-conductivematerial that is coated or plated with a conductive material. Forexample, the conductive threads may be formed from a natural orsynthetic fiber that is coated with a metallic conductive material,including, for example, a silver material, nickel material, goldmaterial, and the like. In the present example, at least a portion ofthe exterior surface of the thread may be electrically conductive. Thismay facilitate electrical connection with an object touching thetextile.

In some embodiments, the conductive threads 302, 304 are operativelyconnected to circuitry that is configured to drive the conductivethreads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical propertiesof the conductive threads to determine the occurrence and/or location ofa touch on the surface of the textile 300. An example sensing circuit isdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 8. In someembodiments, a drive signal is applied to either the first set ofconductive threads 302 or the second set of conductive threads 304. Insome implementations, the drive signal produces a voltage or electricalpotential on one or more of the first (or second) set of conductivethreads. The drive signal may include a direct current voltage, avoltage pulse, series of voltage pulses, and/or an alternating voltagethat is delivered to the conductive threads 302, 304.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a touch may be detected by the sensing circuit whenthe resistance or impedance between two conductive threads 302, 304 ismodified by the presence of an object (e.g., the user's finger) touchingthe two conductive threads 302, 304 of the textile 300. In someembodiments, the object, for instance, the user's finger, iselectrically conductive and electrically couples the two conductivethreads 302, 304. In some embodiments, the two conductive threads 302,304 have at least a portion of the exterior surface formed from aconductive material, and thus, when the threads come into contact withan object, such as the user's finger, an electrical current or signalmay pass between the threads. In some instances, a single touch on thetextile 300 may result in the electrical connection of more than onepair of conductive threads. Thus, in some embodiments, a sensing circuitmay be configured to detect the occurrence of a touch on the textile 300by monitoring changes in resistance or impedance between pairs ofconductive threads.

In some embodiments, the woven pattern may enhance or improve the touchsensing capabilities of the textile 300. For example, as depicted inFIGS. 3A-B, each conductive thread may be woven over multiplenonconductive threads to form an elongated stitch or continuous exposedsection of thread. In some cases, this may improve the electricalcontact between an object and the conductive thread resulting in aresistance or impedance measurement that is more reliable or consistent.Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the conductive threads 302, 304are separated by multiple nonconductive threads 306, 308, which mayreduce incidental electrical coupling between the conductive threads302, 304, which may also improve the consistency and/or reliability ofthe sensing properties of the textile 300.

In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined bymonitoring the resistance or impedance between one or more pairs ofconductive threads of the textile 300. For example, the sensing circuitmay be configured to selectively measure or sense the electricalproperties between each conductive thread of the first set of conductivethreads 302 and one or more conductive thread of the second set ofconductive threads 304. Thread pairs that are electrically coupled (dueto the touch of an object) may be used to determine the coordinates ofthe location of the touch. In the example depicted in FIG. 3B, aconductive thread 302 of the first set of conductive threads iselectrically coupled to a conductive thread 304 of the second set ofconductive threads by the touching object (e.g., the user's finger). Ifthe location of the first 302 and second 304 electrical threads that areelectrically connected is known, then the location of the touch can beestimated. As mentioned previously, more than one pair of conductivethreads may be connected by a single touch. In some cases, the locationof the touch is estimated based on a centroid or an approximated centerof the multiple pairs of threads that are electrically connected.

Similar to as discussed in the example above, the electrical properties(including the resistance or impedance) of each pair of conductivethreads may be selectively measured or sensed using a time-multiplexingscheme where the resistance or impedance between each pair of threads issensed at different times. If a time varying voltage signal is use todrive the treads, other multiplexing schemes, including, for example,wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can alsobe used. A modulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also beused to distinguish between the measurement of the different conductivethreads. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may havea dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detectchanges in one or more electrical properties of the thread.

In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example objecttouching or nearly touching the surface of the textile 300. However, aspreviously discussed, another object, such as a conductive stylus,probe, wand, or the like may be used to electrically couple or connectpairs of conductive threads of the textile 300. Additionally, thetextile 300 may be configured to detect the occurrence of multipletouches and/or multiple types of objects on the surface of the textile300.

FIGS. 4A-B depict an example two-layer resistive touch-sensitive textilein accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4A-B, a textile400 is formed from two textile layers: an upper textile layer 410 and alower textile layer 420. In this example, a spacer structure, includinga monofilament yarn 402 maintains a gap between the two textile layers.In the present example, the monofilament yarn 402 is interwoven withboth the upper textile layer 410 and the lower textile layer 420. Asshown in FIG. 4B, the monofilament yarn 402 (example spacer structure)is configured to deflect and compress in response to a touch on theupper textile layer 410. The monofilament yarn 402 may also deflect orcompress in response to a touch on the lower textile layer 420 (notshown).

As shown in FIG. 4A, a first set of conductive threads 406 may beoriented along a first direction and may be incorporated with the firsttextile layer 410. In some embodiments, the first set of conductivethreads 406 is interwoven with other threads of the upper textile layer410. In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads 406 isattached to a surface of the upper textile layer 410. In someembodiments, the first set of conductive threads 406 is disposed withinthe gap in a location that is biased away from the lower textile layer420.

As shown in FIG. 4A, a second set of conductive threads 404 may beoriented along a second direction that is transverse to the firstdirection of the first set of conductive threads 406. The second set ofconductive threads 404 may be interwoven with other threads of fibers ofthe lower textile layer 420. In some embodiment, the second set ofconductive threads 404 are attached to a surface of the lower textilelayer 420. In some embodiments, the second set of conductive threads 404is disposed within the gap in a location that is biased away from theupper textile layer 410.

The conductive threads (406, 404) may be formed using a variety ofelectrically conductive materials. As explained above with respect toFIGS. 2A-B, the conductive threads may be formed from an electricallyconductive material or from a natural or synthetic non-conductivematerial that is coated or plated with a conductive material. Forexample, the conductive threads may be formed from a natural orsynthetic fiber that is coated with a metallic conductive material,including, for example, a silver material, nickel material, goldmaterial, and the like. In the present example, at least a portion ofthe exterior surface of the thread may be electrically conductive. Thismay facilitate electrical connection between conductive threads when thetextile is compressed by the touch of an object.

In some embodiments, the first and second sets of conductive threads406, 404 are operatively connected to circuitry that is configured todrive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also senseelectrical properties of the conductive threads to determine theoccurrence and/or location of a touch on the surface of the textile 400.An example sensing circuit is described in more detail below withrespect to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied toeither the first set of conductive threads 406 or the second set ofconductive threads 404. In some implementations, the drive signalproduces a voltage or electrical potential on one or more of the first(or second) set of conductive threads. The drive signal may include adirect current voltage, a voltage pulse, series of voltage pulses,and/or an alternating voltage that is delivered to the conductivethreads 406, 404.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a touch on one (or both) of the textile layers 410,420 may cause the monofilament yarn 402 to collapse bringing the firstand second conductive threads 406, 404 in contact with each other. Insome embodiments, a touch may be detected by the sensing circuit whenthe resistance or impedance between two conductive threads 406, 404 ismodified due to contact between the two conductive threads 406, 404. Insome embodiments, the two conductive threads 406, 404 have at least aportion of the exterior surface formed from a conductive material, andthus, when the threads come into contact with each other, an electricalcurrent or signal may pass between the threads. In some instances, asingle touch on the textile 400 may result in the electrical connectionof more than one pair of conductive threads. Thus, in some embodiments,a sensing circuit may be configured to detect the occurrence of a touchon the textile 400 by monitoring changes in resistance or impedancebetween pairs of conductive threads.

In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined bymonitoring the resistance or impedance between one or more pairs ofconductive threads of the textile 400. For example, the sensing circuitmay be configured to selectively measure or sense the electricalproperties between each conductive thread of the first set of conductivethreads 406 and one or more conductive thread of the second set ofconductive threads 404. Thread pairs that are electrically coupled (dueto the touch of an object) may be used to determine the coordinates ofthe location of the touch. In the example depicted in FIG. 4B, aconductive thread 406 of the first set of conductive threads iselectrically coupled to a conductive thread 404 of the second set ofconductive threads. If the location of the first 406 and second 404electrical threads within the textile is known, then the location of thetouch can be estimated. As mentioned previously, more than one pair ofconductive threads may be connected by a single touch. In some cases,the location of the touch is estimated based on a centroid or anapproximated center of the multiple pairs of threads that areelectrically connected.

Similar to as discussed in the example above, the electrical properties(including the resistance or impedance) of each pair of conductivethreads may be selectively measured or sensed using a time-multiplexingscheme where the resistance or impedance between each pair of threads issensed at different times. If a time varying voltage signal is use todrive the treads, other multiplexing schemes, including, for example,wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can alsobe used. A modulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also beused to distinguish between the measurement of the different conductivethreads. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may havea dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detectchanges in one or more electrical properties of the thread.

In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example objecttouching or nearly touching the surface of the textile 400. However, anyother object, such as a stylus, probe, wand, or the like may be used todeflect the upper (or lower) textile layer to register a touch using thetextile 400.

FIGS. 5A-B depict an example two-layer capacitive touch-sensitivetextile in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 5A-B, atextile 500 is formed from two textile layers: an upper textile layer510 and a lower textile layer 530. In this example, a spacer structure,including a monofilament yarn 520 maintains a gap between the twotextile layers. In the present example, the monofilament yarn 520 isinterwoven with both the upper textile layer 510 and the lower textilelayer 530. As shown in FIG. 5B, the monofilament yarn 520 (examplespacer structure) is configured to deflect and/or compress in responseto a touch on the upper textile layer 510. The monofilament yarn 520 mayalso deflect or compress in response to a touch on the lower textilelayer 530 (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 5A, a first set of conductive threads 502 may beoriented along a first direction and may be incorporated with the firsttextile layer 510. In some embodiments, the first set of conductivethreads 502 is interwoven with other threads of the upper textile layer510. In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads 502 isattached to a surface of the upper textile layer 510. In someembodiments, the first set of conductive threads 502 is disposed withinthe gap in a location that is biased away from the lower textile layer530.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a second set of conductive threads 504 may beoriented along a second direction that is transverse to the firstdirection of the first set of conductive threads 502. The second set ofconductive threads 504 may be interwoven with other threads of fibers ofthe lower textile layer 530. In some embodiment, the second set ofconductive threads 504 are attached to a surface of the lower textilelayer 530. In some embodiments, the second set of conductive threads 504is disposed within the gap in a location that is biased away from theupper textile layer 510.

The conductive threads (302, 304) may be formed using a variety ofelectrically conductive materials. As explained above with respect toFIGS. 2A-B, the conductive threads may be formed from an electricallyconductive material or from a natural or synthetic non-conductivematerial that is coated or plated with a conductive material. Forexample, the conductive threads may be formed from a natural orsynthetic fiber that is coated with a metallic conductive material,including, for example, a silver material, nickel material, goldmaterial, and the like. In the present example, the conductive threads202, 204 may include an electrically insulating coating or,alternatively may include an electrically conductive material along atleast a portion of the exterior surface of the thread.

In some embodiments, the first and second sets of conductive threads502, 504 are operatively connected to circuitry that is configured todrive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also senseelectrical properties of the conductive threads to determine themagnitude and/or location of a force on the surface of the textile 500.An example sensing circuit is described in more detail below withrespect to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to thefirst set of conductive threads 502 and/or the second set of conductivethreads 504. In some implementations, the drive signal produces anelectrical charge on one or more of the first (or second) set ofconductive threads. The drive signal may include an electrical pulse,series of electrical pulses, and/or an alternating current/voltage thatis delivered to the conductive threads 502, 504.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the force of a touch on one (or both) of thetextile layers 510, 530 may cause the monofilament yarn 520 to collapse.As a result of the touch, the distance between the upper textile layer510 and the lower textile layer 530 is reduced from distance “A” asshown in FIG. 5A to distance “B” shown in FIG. 5B. The change in thedistance between the upper textile layer 510 and the lower textile layer530 may be detected by a sensing circuit that is configure to monitorthe capacitance between one or more threads of the first set ofconductive threads 502 (associated with the upper textile layer 510) andone or more threads of the second set of conductive threads 504(associated with the lower textile layer 530).

In some embodiments, the distance that the monofilament yarn 520(example spacer structure) is compressed corresponds to the force of thetouch. Thus, by determining the relative deflection of the two textilelayers 510, 530 using, for example, a capacitive measurement, the forceof the touch can be estimated. In some embodiments, the monofilamentyarn 520 (example spacer structure) has an approximately linear responsefor at least some degree of compression. Thus, in some cases, adeflection that is measured by a capacitive change between one or moreconductive threads 502, 504 may be directly proportional to the force ofthe touch on the textile 500. In some embodiments, the monofilament yarn520 (example spacer structure) has a known, non-linear response to acompressive force. The non-linear response may be approximated by afunction that may be obtained from empirical data. Thus, in some cases,a capacitive change between one or more conductive threads 502, 504 maybe related to the force of the touch on the textile 500 by thenon-linear function.

In some embodiments, the touch on the upper textile layer 510 may alsoalter or affect the capacitive coupling between one or more conductivethreads 502, 504. In some cases, the presence of an object, such as theuser's finger, on or near the textile 500 will result in a change in thecapacitance between the conductive threads 502, 504 due to capacitiveproperties of the object. In some cases, the capacitive coupling betweenthe conductive threads 502, 504 and the object touching (or nearlytouching) the textile 500 can be used to determine the occurrence of atouch (or near touch), even if the two textile layers 510, 530 are notdeflected or compressed, as described above. In some cases, the effectsof capacitive coupling with the object are estimated or compensated forwhen computing the force measurement using the deflection or compressionbetween the textile layers. In some embodiments, one or both of thetextile layers includes a shield or shielding layer that reduces thecapacitive coupling between the conductive threads and the objecttouching the textile 500.

In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined bymonitoring the capacitance between one or more pairs of conductivethreads of the textile 500. For example, the sensing circuit may beconfigured to selectively measure or sense the electrical propertiesbetween each conductive thread of the first set of conductive threads502 and one or more conductive thread of the second set of conductivethreads 504. Thread pairs having a change in capacitive coupling (due tothe touch of an object) may be used to determine the coordinates of thelocation of the touch. In the example depicted in FIG. 5B, a conductivethread 502 of the first set of conductive threads may be capacitivelycoupled to a conductive thread 504 of the second set of conductivethreads, which may change as a result of a touch or a force applied tothe textile 500. If the location of the first 502 and second 504electrical threads within the textile is known, then the location of thetouch can be estimated. In some cases, more than one pair of conductivethreads may affected a single touch. Thus, in some cases, the locationof the touch is estimated based on a centroid or an approximated centerof the multiple pairs of threads having a modified capacitance due to atouch or force.

Similar to as discussed in the example above, the electrical properties(including the capacitance) of each pair of conductive threads may beselectively measured or sensed using a time-multiplexing scheme wherethe capacitance between each pair of threads is sensed at differenttimes. Other multiplexing schemes, including, for example, wavelengthmultiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can also be used. Amodulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also be used todistinguish between the measurement of the different conductive threads.Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may have adedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detectchanges in one or more electrical properties of the thread.

In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example objecttouching or nearly touching the surface of the textile 500. However, anyother object, such as a stylus, probe, wand, or the like may be used todeflect the upper (or lower) textile layer to register a touch using thetextile 500.

For each of the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-Bthrough 5A-B, the conductive threads may be used to detect the touch orforce of a touch on the textile. Additionally, the conductive threadsmay be used a conduit or conductor for transmitting electrical signalsto and away from the touch-sensitive portion of the textile. In somecases, the textile may be configured to reduce noise or cross-talkbetween the conductive threads that are being used as conduits for theelectrical signals.

FIGS. 6A-B depict an example conductive thread configuration for atouch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. FIG.6A depicts a flat pattern of a textile 600 and FIG. 6B depicts a foldedor bent version of the textile 600. In the present example, the textile600 may form part of a wristband or strap having a touch sensitiveregion connected to other circuitry or components by conductive threads.The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A-B may be used to minimize or reducecross talk or noise caused by having two sets of conducive threadsintegrated into the textile. As described below, a first set ofconductive threads 602 may be electrically isolated from a second set ofconductive threads 604 by folding the first set of conductive threads602 under a portion of the textile 600.

FIG. 6B depicts an example flat pattern of a textile 600 having two setsof conductive threads 602, 604 used to form a touch-sensitive regiontoward the right-hand end of the textile 600. The touch-sensitive regionmay correspond to one or more of the touch-sensitive textile embodimentsdescribed above with respect to FIG. 2A-B through 5A-B. In this example,the conductive threads 603, 604 are also used to carry electricalsignals to and from the touch-sensitive region. As shown in FIG. 6A, thesecond set of conductive threads 604 are disposed in a middle portion ofthe textile 600. The first set of conductive threads 602 are disposed inedge portions of the flattened textile 600.

As indicated in FIG. 6A, the flat textile 600 may be bent along bendlines 610 a and 610 b for form the folded version depicted in FIG. 6B.As shown in FIG. 6B, the first set of conductive lines 602 are foldedunder a portion of the textile 600, which may reduce the profile or sizeof the textile 600 without significantly increasing the cross talk orinterference between the first and second sets of conductive threads602, 604. In some embodiments, a shield component 620 is disposedbetween the middle portion of the textile 600 and the edge portions thatare folded under the middle portion. The shield component 620 mayincrease the electrical isolation between the first and second sets ofconductive threads 602, 604 and further reduce the cross talk and/orelectrical interference between the two.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A-B, the first and secondconductive threads 602, 604 may be formed from continuous conductivethreads that are interwoven into the material of the textile 600. Asshown in FIG. 6A, the continuous conductive threads of the first set ofconductive threads 602 may be woven to produce an approximately 90degree bend near the right-hand end of the textile 600. In some cases,the bend in the first set of conductive threads 602 is formed into theweave of the textile 600.

FIGS. 6A-B depict one example embodiment. However, in alternativeembodiments, the textile may be formed in a variety of different ways.For example, the first set of conductive lines may be folded under thesecond set of conductive lines on a single flap of material. By way offurther example, a portion of the first set of conductive lines may befolded over the second set of conductive lines and another portion ofthe first set of conductive lines may be folded under the second set ofconductive lines. A shield layer or component may be disposed betweeneach flap of the textile that is folded over and under the second set ofconductive lines.

FIG. 7 depicts an example process 700 for operating a touch-sensitivetextile device in accordance with some embodiments. Example process 700may be used to operate one or more of the example touch-sensitivetextiles described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-B through 5A-B. Whilethe particular sensing principle and the electrical measurements mayvary depending on the touch-sensitive textile, the operations of process700 outlined below may apply universally.

In operation 702, a drive signal is applied to the touch-sensitivetextile. As described above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS.2A-B through 5A-B above, a touch-sensitive textile may include one ormore sets of conductive threads that are operatively connected tocircuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to drive theconductive threads with an electrical signal. The response to the signalmay be used to sense the occurrence, location, and or force of a touchon the textile. An example sensing circuit is described in more detailbelow with respect to FIG. 8. With respect to operation 702, the drivesignal may include a direct current signal or portion of a signal thatis applied to one or more of the conductive threads of the textile. Insome embodiments, the drive signal includes an electrical pulse, seriesof pulses, and/or alternating electrical signal that is applied to oneor more of the conductive threads of the textile. In particular, thecase of a resistive-based touch-sensitive textile, the drive signal mayinclude a characteristic voltage or electrical potential. Examples ofresistive-based touch-sensitive textiles are provided above with respectto FIGS. 3A-B and 4A-B. In the case of a capacitive-basedtouch-sensitive textile, the drive signal may include an electricalsignal that has a time varying current and/or voltage component.Examples of capacitive-based touch-sensitive textiles are provided abovewith respect to FIGS. 2A-B and 5A-B.

In operation 704, an untouched state is detected. In particular, anelectrical measurement or series of electrical measurements may be takenwhile a touch-sensitive textile is not being touched. Sensormeasurements performed during the untouched state may represent thequiescent or steady-state condition of the touch-sensitive textile. Insome cases, the untouched state is detected by taking a series ofmeasurements over a period of time to determine or confirm that thetouch-sensitive textile is not being touched in accordance with a userinput. In some cases, particularly if the textile is incorporated into awearable garment, there may be some degree of incidental user contactdue to the fact that the textile is located near or on the user's body.For purposes of operation 704, incidental touches are not considered atouch input.

In some embodiments, operation 704 is performed at a regularly repeatinginterval. In some cases, if an untouched state is detected, no action istaken. In some cases, if an untouched state is detected, the sensormeasurements are recorded or used to compute a baseline condition orconditions. In some instances, the sensor measurements taken during theuntouched state may be used to compensate the sensor for effects due tochanging temperature or other environmental conditions.

In operation 706, a touched state is detected. In some embodiments, thetouched state is detected due to a variation or deviation in the sensormeasurements as compared to a baseline measurement or the measurementsobtained with respect to operation 704, discussed above. The particularsof the touch sensing may depend on the type of touch-sensitive textilethat is used. For example, if the touch-sensitive textile is aresistive-based sensing configuration similar to the embodimentsdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 3A-B and 4A-B, a change in theelectrical resistance or impedance between one or more pairs ofconductive threads may indicate a touched state. Similarly, if thetouch-sensitive textile is a capacitive-based sensing configurationsimilar to the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-Band 5A-B, a change in the capacitance between one or more pairs ofconductive threads may indicate a touched state.

In response to detecting a touched state, a touch input may beinterpreted, relayed, and/or stored for use by another aspect of thesystem. For example, in accordance with detecting a touched state, thelocation of the touch may be determined and relayed to another aspect ofthe system. In some embodiments, the touch input provided to thetouch-sensitive textile may be used to control a cursor or other elementof a graphical user interface. In some implementation, the movement ofthe touch (if any) may be determined and used to interpret a gestureperformed by the user. The gesture may be relayed and/or a commandassociated with the gesture may be relayed to another aspect of thesystem that may take further action based on the touch input.

FIG. 8 depicts an example schematic diagram of a touch-sensitive textilesystem 800 in accordance with some embodiments. In general, FIG. 8depicts a simplified version of a sensing system 800 that may be used tooperate one or more of the touch-sensitive textiles described above withrespect to FIGS. 2A-B through 5A-B.

As shown in FIG. 8, a touch-sensitive textile 830 may include two setsof conductive threads. In this example, a first set of conductivethreads 811 is oriented along a first (vertical) direction and a secondset of conductive threads 812 is oriented along a second (horizontal)direction. The intersection of a pair of conductive threads may operateas a sensing node 801. For example, in embodiments where a touch isdetected by measuring a resistance between pairs of conductive threads,the intersection (or near intersection) of the threads may function as asensing node 801. Similarly, in embodiments where a touch is detected bymeasuring a change in capacitance between pairs of conductive threads orcapacitive coupling of one or more conductive threads, the intersectionof the threads may also function as a sensing node 801. When an objecttouches a sensing node 801, both the occurrence of the touch and thelocation of the touch may be determined.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first set of conductive threads 811 may beoperatively coupled to a column selector 810 that is configured toselectively couple one or more of the conductive threads 811 with thesensing circuit 850. Similarly, the second set of conductive threads 812may be operatively coupled to a row selector 820 that is configured toselectively couple one or more of the conductive threads 812 with thesensing circuit 850. In some embodiments, the column selector 810 andthe row selector 820 may include a bank of switches that are configuredto couple the conductive threads with the sensing circuit in accordancewith a time-multiplexed sequence. Additionally or alternatively, thecolumn selector 810 and the row selector 820 may include a wavelength orfrequency division multiplexing unit that is used multiplex the signalsfrom the conductive threads.

As shown in FIG. 8, the system 800 also includes a sensing circuit 850that is operatively coupled to the conductive threads via the columnselector 810 and the row selector 820. The sensing circuit 850 includesone or more subsystems for generating a drive signal in accordance withthe embodiments described above. In some embodiments, the sensingcircuit 850 includes a voltage source for generating a direct currentvoltage signal. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit includes avoltage and/or current source for generating an electrical pulse, aseries of electrical pulses, and/or an alternating electricalcurrent/voltage to drive the conductive threads 811, 812 of the textile830.

The sensing circuit 850 may also include one or more subsystems fordetecting a change in one or more aspects of the electrical response ofthe touch-sensitive textile 830. As previously described, in someembodiments, the sensing circuit 850 may be configured to detect achange in resistance and/or impedance between one or more pairs ofconductive threads. A change in resistance may be measured using acircuit that is configured to measure an electrical potential withrespect to ground or another reference potential. Also, as previouslydescribed, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit 850 may beconfigured to detect a change in capacitance or change in capacitivecoupling between pairs of conductive threads. A change in capacitance orcapacitive coupling may be performed using, for example, a currentintegrator, charge amplifier, or other similar type of circuit. In somecases, the sensing circuit 850 is formed using one or more applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) components.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sensing circuit 850 may be operatively coupledto an input/output circuit 855 that is configured to communicate signalsbetween the system 800 and other components of the device or otherdevices. In some implementations, the input/output circuit is configuredto transmit a command or touch input information to other components ofthe device or to other devices to perform an action in response to atouch on the touch-sensitive textile 830. In some embodiments, theinput/output circuit incudes a wireless communication circuit that isconfigured to transmit signals using a wireless communication interface.Generally, the wireless communication interface may include, withoutlimitation, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and/or magnetic signalsand may be configured to operate over a wireless interface or protocol.Example wireless interfaces include, radio frequency cellularinterfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetoothinterfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces,TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or anyconventional communication interfaces.

In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device isprovided that includes a first set of conductive threads oriented alonga first direction, a second set of conductive threads interwoven withthe first set of conductive threads and oriented along a seconddirection, and a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the first andsecond set of conductive threads, the sensing circuit is configured toapply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads,and detect a variation in capacitive coupling on one of the first andsecond set of conductive threads in response to an object touching ornearly touching the touch-sensitive textile device.

In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured todetect a touch or near touch on the touch-sensitive textile based on thevariation in charge.

In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is furtherconfigured to determine a location of the touch based on the variationin charge.

In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textiledevice includes a woven textile component including the first and secondset of conductive threads, and a set of nonconductive threads interwovenwith the first and second set of conductive threads.

In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textiledevice includes a group nonconductive threads oriented along the firstdirection forming a nonconductive strip region, and the first set ofconductive threads includes a group conductive threads forming aconductive strip region that is adjacent to the nonconductive stripregion.

In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textiledevice includes nonconductive strip regions formed from nonconductivethreads, and conductive strip regions formed from the first and secondsets of conductive threads, nonconductive strip regions and conductivestrip regions are arranged in an alternating pattern in both the firstand second directions.

In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device isprovided that includes a first set of conductive threads oriented alonga first direction, a second set of conductive threads interwoven withthe first set of conductive threads and oriented along a seconddirection, and a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the first andsecond set of conductive threads, the sensing circuit is configured toapply a drive signal to the first set of conductive threads, and detecta variation in resistance between any one of the first set of conductivethreads and any one of the second set of conductive threads.

In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured tosense a touch on the first or second set of conductive threads based onthe variation in resistance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is furtherconfigured to determine a location of the touch based on the variationin resistance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textiledevice includes a woven textile component including the first and secondset of conductive threads, and a set of nonconductive threads interwovenwith the first and second set of conductive threads.

In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device isprovided that includes a first set of conductive threads disposed in afirst textile layer, a second set of conductive threads disposed in asecond textile layer, a spacer structure separating the first and secondtextile layers, the spacer structure configured to deflect in responseto a touch on the first or second textile layer, and a sensing circuitoperatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads,the sensing circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to the firstset of conductive threads, and detect a variation in resistance betweenany one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the secondset of conductive threads.

In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured tosense a touch on the first or second textile layers based on thevariation in resistance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is furtherconfigured to determine a location of the touch based on the variationin resistance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first textile layer is formedfrom a first set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the first setof conductive threads, and the second textile layer is formed from asecond set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the second set ofconductive threads.

In accordance with another embodiment, the spacer structure is amonofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textilelayers.

In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device isprovided that includes a first set of conductive threads disposed in afirst textile layer, a second set of conductive threads disposed in asecond textile layer, a spacer structure separating the first and secondtextile layers, the spacer structure configured to deflect in responseto a touch on the first or second textile layer, and a sensing circuitoperatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads,the sensing circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to the firstset of conductive threads, and detect a variation in capacitance betweenany one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the secondset of conductive threads due to a deflection in the spacer structure.

In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured tosense a touch on the first or second textile layers based on thevariation in capacitance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is furtherconfigured to determine a location of the touch based on the variationin capacitance.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first textile layer is formedfrom a first set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the first setof conductive threads, and the second textile layer is formed from asecond set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the second set ofconductive threads.

In accordance with another embodiment, the spacer structure is amonofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textilelayers.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments areillustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited tothem. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements arepossible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the presentdisclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments.Functionality may be separated or combined in procedures differently invarious embodiments of the disclosure or described with differentterminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined inthe claims that follow.

We claim:
 1. A system, comprising: a portable electronic device; awearable fabric item having threads that form a touch sensor, whereinthe touch sensor is configured to receive touch input; and circuitryconfigured to control the portable electronic device in response to thetouch input.
 2. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the portableelectronic device is configured to output a notification and wherein thecircuitry is configured to acknowledge receipt of the notification inresponse to the touch input.
 3. The system defined in claim 2 whereinthe portable electronic device is configured to provide audio output inconnection with the notification and wherein the control circuitry isconfigured to silence the audio output in response to the touch input.4. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the circuitry is configured toinitiate a message on the portable electronic device in response to thetouch input.
 5. The system defined in claim 4 wherein the message isselected from the group consisting of: an e-mail and a text message. 6.The system defined in claim 4 wherein the touch input comprises agesture and wherein the message comprises a predetermined message basedon the gesture.
 7. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to place the portable electronic device in ado-not-disturb mode in response to the touch input.
 8. The systemdefined in claim 1 wherein the control circuitry is configured to placethe portable electronic device in a secure mode in response to the touchinput and wherein the portable electronic device is configured torequire authentication when operated in the secure mode.
 9. The systemdefined in claim 1 wherein the control circuitry is configured tosilence an alert on the portable electronic device in response to thetouch input.
 10. The system defined in claim 1 wherein the controlcircuitry is configured to adjust a volume of audio output on theportable electronic device in response to the touch input.
 11. Thesystem defined in claim 1 wherein the wearable fabric item comprises awrist band and wherein the touch sensor comprises a capacitive touchsensor configured to detect multiple touches.
 12. A system, comprising:an electronic device configured to provide audio output; a wearablefabric band having threads that form a capacitive touch sensor, whereinthe capacitive touch sensor is configured to receive touch input; andcircuitry configured to control the audio output in response to thetouch input.
 13. The system defined in claim 12 wherein the circuitry isconfigured to silence the audio output in response to the touch input.14. The system defined in claim 12 wherein the circuitry is configuredto adjust a volume of the audio output in response to the touch input.15. The system defined in claim 12 wherein the audio output comprisesmedia playback and wherein the control circuitry is configured to selecta next track of the media playback in response to the touch input.
 16. Asystem, comprising: a mobile telephone; a fabric wrist band configuredto wirelessly communicate with the electronic device, wherein the fabricwrist band comprises: nonconductive threads; and conductive threadswoven with the nonconductive threads and configured to form a touchsensor on the fabric wrist band; and circuitry configured to control anoperation of the mobile telephone based on touch input to the touchsensor.
 17. The system defined in claim 16 wherein the circuitry isconfigured to place the mobile phone in a do-not-disturb mode inresponse to the touch input.
 18. The system defined in claim 16 whereinthe circuitry is configured to place the mobile phone in a secure modein response to the touch input and wherein the mobile phone isconfigured to require a pass code when operating in the secure mode. 19.The system defined in claim 16 wherein the mobile phone is configured tosend a text message in response to the touch input.
 20. The systemdefined in claim 19 wherein the touch input comprises a gesture andwherein the text message comprises a predetermined message based on thegesture.